TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Los Angeles Angels right-hander Robert Stephenson has another elbow injury and the reliever will be examined by orthopedist Dr. Keith Meister hoping to avoid surgery, according to The Orange County Register.
A 33-year-old, Stephenson has appeared in just 12 games for the Angels since signing a $33 million, three-year contract in January 2024. He had internal brace surgery on his UCL with Meister in May 2024 and didn't make his Angels debut until last May 28.
After two appearances, Stephenson went back on the injured list with right biceps inflammation. He returned to a major league mound on Aug. 22.
Stephenson is 19-20 with a 4.59 ERA and 416 strikeouts in 283 games over nine major league seasons with Cincinnati (2016-20), Colorado (2021-22), Pittsburgh (2022-23), Tampa Bay (2023) and the Angels.
Also, the Angels optioned 23-year-old infielder Christian Moore to Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday.
Moore made his major league debut last June 13, less than a year after Los Angeles selected him with the No. 8 overall pick in the amateur draft. The second baseman appeared in 53 games and hit .198 with seven home runs and five doubles in 184 plate appearances. Moore also struck out 62 times.
Nick Madrigal, Adam Frazier and Chris Taylor are all in camp on minor league deals and are second-base possibilities along with Oswald Peraza, acquired from the New York Yankees last July, and Vaughn Grissom, obtained from the Boston Red Sox in December. Grissom, 25, has not appeared in a big league game since 2024.
Grissom and Peraza are out of options and would be exposed to waivers if the Angels attempted to send them to the minors.
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FILE - Los Angeles Angels pitcher Robert Stephenson throws against the Seattle Mariners during the 10th inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer,File)
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Wales tasted Six Nations success for the first time in 1,099 days after blowing away Italy 31-17 in Principality Stadium on Saturday.
The growing confidence from spirited losses against Scotland and Ireland spilled over into an unexpected and dominant bonus-point win, Wales' first in the championship since March 2023 when it beat Italy in Rome.
Wales was physical, direct and ruthless, leading 21-0 by halftime then 31-0 before Italy scored.
“That performance has been coming,” Wales coach Steve Tandy told broadcaster the BBC. “We've focused on not getting ahead of ourselves and making sure each part of our game improves. But the intent was there from the start from this young group. They’re desperate to learn and get better whether they win or lose. Their effort is amazing.”
Their scramble defense was also amazing as Italy had two tries disallowed, one held up, and another prevented by an ankle tap.
While Wales ended the nightmare of a national record 15-match losing streak in the Six Nations, it finished with a third consecutive wooden spoon.
“Not ideal to finish bottom of the table but everyone can see we're growing and moving in the right direction,” Wales No. 8 and player of the match Aaron Wainwright said. “The way we started today and hung in there shows how far we've come.”
Italy equaled its best Six Nations finish — fourth in 2007 and 2013 — but it wanted more, an historic third win in a single championship after beating Scotland and England. However, the Azzurri were smashed in the first half, and ultimately missed 30 tackles.
“We gave away too many penalties, too many times in their 22. ... We lost a lot of energy to try and max the energy Wales were giving,” Italy captain Michele Lamaro told ITV. “In the end it was too late. The first half cost us.”
Wales made the eight first-half penalties count.
A kick-chase penalty earned by workaholic winger Ellis Mee was booted into the corner and Wainwright crashed over. Despite lineout issues, Wales used the platform again to drive at the line for a second Wainwright try.
Another lineout drive finished with captain Dewi Lake touching down. With Dan Edwards a perfect four-of-four off the tee and nine-for-nine in the tournament, Wales was a deserved 21-0 up after 29 minutes.
They resumed from the second half kickoff. Edwards slanted through a tired defense, converted his try and chipped a drop goal for a scarcely believable 31-0 lead.
Italy ruled the last 30 minutes. But Wales still made it tough for the visitor.
Paolo Garbisi and replacements Tommaso Di Bartolomeo and Tommaso Allan dotted down for Italy but Wales' defense shone.
Mee held up hooker Giacomo Nicotera and made a try-saving tackle on opposite wing Monty Ioane, Edwards ankle-tapped Tommaso Menoncello when the midfielder looked like he was away, Tomos Williams stopped Allan on the tryline, and James Botham's sliding hip ruined a chance for Leonardo Marin.
“Those tries were not tries because (Wales) didn't give up,” Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada said. “The will was bigger for them. Their heart and physicality they put out there was stronger than ours, at least in the first half. That first half defined the game.”
AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
Italy's Paolo Garbisi evades Wales' Blair Murray during the Men's Six Nations match between Wales and Italy in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday March 14, 2026. (David Davies/PA via AP)
Wales' Daniel Edwards celebrates scoring a drop goal with team-mate Tomos Williams during the Men's Six Nations match between Wales and Italy in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday March 14, 2026. (David Davies/PA via AP)
Wales' Daniel Edwards scores their side's fourth try of the game during the Men's Six Nations match between Wales and Italy in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday March 14, 2026. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)
Wales' Louis Rees-Zammit is tackled by Italy's Tommaso Menoncello during the Men's Six Nations match between Wales and Italy in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday March 14, 2026. (David Davies/PA via AP)
Wales players celebrate their side's third try of the game, scored by Dewi Lake, during the Men's Six Nations match between Wales and Italy in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday March 14, 2026. (David Davies/PA via AP)
